The Real Arya Stark, Maisie Williams, Is a Badass Too
Game of Thrones revealed that Maisie Williams, known for her starring role as Arya Stark, learned some impressive skills while filming [spoiler alert].
The actress had to train in order to film the scene in which Arya kills the Night King in season 8 episode 3.
Apparently, the actress is not only trained in dancing, gymnastics, fencing, and horseback riding—but in Filipino Martial Arts as well. Known as “FMA,” Filipino Martial Arts is interchangeably called Kali, Escrima, and Arnis. It is an ancient form that uses hand-held weapons such as sticks and knives for combat.
While the character Arya Stark does have a stunt double—Kristina Baskett, formerly a professional gymnast—Maisie Williams does many of the character’s special moves as well. So next time you’re watching Game of Thrones and thinking about what a badass Arya is, remember that the people behind the character are too.
To learn more about Maisie’s training, you can visit the Inverse website.
